NEWPORT BEACH

Stacy Brown

Work will be completed on Joseph Warren's riverboat, the Angela Louise, to convert it from conventional diesel fuel to electric power by next month, the owner said recently.

"I am going electric for several reasons," Warren said. "The primary reason is my concern for the environment, the noise and pollution." Warren's turn-of-the-century vessel is scheduled to become recertified for 120 passengers as it abandons diesel propulsion for clean, efficient electricity. It hasn't been cheap: The cost will top $40,000. But Warren is excited about the transformation. "It's looking good," he said.